Google Drive
What is Google Drive
Google Drive is a cloud-based file storage and synchronization service offered by Google
What is the purpose of Google Drive
The purpose of Google Drive is to support collaborative document creation, editing, and/or sharing in a variety of file formats (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Maps, Forms). Because Google Drive is cloud-based, documents can be accessed across multiple devices where Google Drive access is possible (desktop and laptop computers, tablets, smart phones, etc.).
How to use Google Drive
Google Drive is accessed through a Google account login. Once logged in, users have access to the online storage space as well as a wide range of applications and software. A range of files can be uploaded to the online storage space, including Google’s own software files (i.e. Google Docs) or other file types such as Microsoft Word documents or PowerPoint slides.
The most commonly used Google-based software include:
- Google Docs: Similar to Microsoft Word, Google Docs file is an online word processor software allowing for collaborative writing
- Google Sheets: Similar to Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets is an online spreadsheet software allowing for collaborative data sheets, analysis, and management
- Google Slides: Similar to Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides in an online presentation software allowing for collaborative presentation and slide creation
- Google Forms: An online survey software that can be used to create surveys, polls, or quizzes
- Google Drawings: A diagramming software that can be used to create flowcharts, organizational charts, website wireframes, mind maps, concept maps, and other types of diagrams
- Google My Maps: A personalized Google Map software that allows for the creation of custom maps (i.e. mark customized landmarks)
Google Drive is most commonly used in teaching and learning to share files for collaboration between instructors and students, or student to student. For example, a Google Docs file may be set up for a collaborative writing assignment. A Google Sheets file may be set up for collaborative data collection and analysis. Instructors might also choose to use Google Drive to share files with their students. For example, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files can be uploaded to the Drive and shared with others.
Where to find Support
This tool is not centrally supported
Help and Documentation
For help, please refer to the Google Drive documentation
Supported Tools to Consider
Tool Evaluation
Functionality
| Rating | Rationale |
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ScaleGoogle Drive can be scaled to accommodate any size class with the flexibility to create smaller sub-groups or communities of practice |
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Ease of UseGoogle Drive has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and personalize |
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Tech Support/Help AvailabilityTechnical support and help documentation is available in the form of web pages or videos. See Google Drive Help |
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HypermedialityGoogle Drive allows users to communicate through different channels (audio, visual, textual) and allows for non-sequential, flexible/adaptive engagement with material |
Accessibility
| Rating | Rationale |
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AODA FriendlyGoogle Drive fully supports compliance with AODA standards for accessibility (W3 WAI), and makes it easy for materials to be made AODA-friendly. See Google Drive Accessibility Help |
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User-focused participationGoogle Drive is designed to address the needs of diverse users, their various literacies, and capabilities, thereby widening opportunities for participation in learning |
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Required EquipmentProper use of Google Drive does not require equipment other than a computer and access to the internet |
Technical
| Rating | Rationale |
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OWL IntegrationGoogle Drive can be embedded and fully integrated into OWL maintaining full functionality of the tool |
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Operating SystemsUsers can effectively utilize Google Drive with any standard, up-to-date operating system (i.e. Windows 10, Apple OSX, etc.) |
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Web BrowserUsers can effectively utilize Google Drive with any standard, up-to-date web browser (i.e. Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer 10 etc.) |
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Additional Tech RequirementsUsers can effectively utilize Google Drive without any browser extensions or downloaded software |
Mobile Design
| Rating | Rationale |
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Mobile Operating SystemsGoogle Drive is fully functional with a range of electronic mobile devices (laptops, tablets, touchscreens, mobile devices, etc.) |
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Mobile FunctionalityThere is little to no functional difference between the mobile app and the main tool |
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Offline AccessIf you aren't connected to a Wi-Fi or mobile network, you can still view and edit Google Drive files. See Google Drive Files Offline |
Usage and Account Set Up
| Rating | Rationale |
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Sign Up/Sign InA Google account is necessary to create Google Drive files and to make identifiable edits to a file. Without a Google account, users can may still anonymously view/contribute to files, given that proper settings have been set. (i.e. shared through a link that allows anyone to view/edit the document) |
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Cost of Use15 GB are provided to users free of charge. A fee structure allows users to purchase more storage space for their Google Drive account |
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Archiving, Saving, and Exporting DataUsers can archive, save, or import and export content or activity data in a variety of formats |
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Data Privacy and OwnershipUsers maintain copyright of their intellectual property/data; Google’s Terms of Service specifies that Google collects personal information and other information for targeted advertising. Through Drive settings, the user has the ability to decide whether content is private, shared, or public. See Is Google Drive secure? |
Social Presence
| Rating | Rationale |
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CollaborationGoogle Drive has the capacity to support a community of learning through both asynchronous and synchronous opportunities for communication, interactivity, and transfer of meaning between users |
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User AccountabilityIn order to hold students accountable for their actions on a Google Drive file, Instructors must ensure their students are using the file via a Google account. There are options for anonymous contributions. |
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DiffusionStudent familiarity with Google Drive is likely mixed, some will lack basic technical competence with its functions |
Instructor Presence
| Rating | Rationale |
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FacilitationGoogle Drive has easy-to-use features that would significantly improve an instructor’s ability to be present with students via active management, monitoring, and engagement |
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CustomizationGoogle Drive is adaptable to its environment: easily customized to suit the classroom context and targeted learning outcomes |
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Learning AnalyticsInstructor can monitor students’ performance on limited measures (i.e. contributions, comments made) |
Cognitive Presence
| Rating | Rationale |
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Enhancement of Cognitive Task(s)Google Drive enhances engagement in targeted cognitive task(s) that were once overly complex or inconceivable through other means |
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Higher Order ThinkingUse of Google Drive easily facilitates students to exercise higher order thinking skills (given consideration to design, facilitation, and direction from instructor) |
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Feedback on LearningThrough Google Drive, students can regularly receive formative feedback on learning (i.e. they can track their performance, monitor their improvement, test their knowledge, etc.) |
Security and Privacy
This tool has not been formally reviewed by Western’s Technology Risk Assessment Committee
Security and Privacy Flags
Accounts
- Users are required to create and use a non-Western account. It is highly recommended that users do not use the same username and password that is in use at Western.
Information Collection
- Application collects information that could identify the user specifically (email address, class schedule, etc..)
- Application collects information that is confidential (physical address, drivers licence number, health card number, social insurance number)
- This application may use profile information and/or provided data for marketing purposes
EULA
- Acceptance of the Application's Terms of Conditions or End User License Agreement may bind the institution to an agreement thereby requiring legal counsel to review the application contract.
Cost and Approval
- The application may require the instructor to enter credit card information
- The application may require students to enter credit card information
Integration
- This application is hosted outside of Canada
Last Updated: September 16, 2020
Rubric
The eLearning Toolkit Evaluations are made available under the terms of the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence
Feedback
Leave feedback to comment or request that the tool be re-reviewed
Topic at a Glance
Google drive is a storage system for documents, video, audio and other files.
